This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #SamsungTargetTech #CollectiveBias

Everyone knows what the real holiday struggle is, right? Yep, you guessed it. Keeping your Instagram updated and interesting. The most difficult task when it comes to a social media presence is coming up with unique ideas on a consistent basis. So, I’m here to help you with a couple of simple, fun ideas to share your holiday memories and spice up your Instagram. For this post, I partnered with Target and Samsung to try out the new Samsung Galaxy Note 8. The first thing I look for when I’m in the market for a cell phone is the camera quality and functions. The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 has more than a lot to offer. You can capture holiday memories with 4k video, use the simple quick zoom button to focus in on those pretty holiday decorations, take stunning portraits with the Live Focus mode, adjust the background blur (a photographer’s dream phone camera function), and more.

Look at the clarity of the focus! You have so much more control with how you want the aperture to be and how much blur you want to the background or foreground of your photo. Most of these photos were taken in extremely dim lighting (thanks Washington) and they still turned out way beyond what I expected.

I love that when I’m going through the process of a photoshoot with this phone, I can easily switch from a wide angle mode, to zoom, to portrait with literally just a tap of a button. It’s easy to use and the quality compares with photos that I’ve taken on my DSLR.

And the best part? For a limited time only, receive a $300 Target GiftCard™ with Purchase and Activation of the Samsung Galaxy Note8, Galaxy S8, or Galaxy S8+ in-store at Target! Valid 11/19/17-11/27/17 and 12/3/17-12/9/17 only. That makes this the perfect gift or stocking stuffer for the photographer, social media influencer, selfie obsessed, or tech junkie in your life. So, basically a great gift for anyone. I know I wouldn’t complain about getting one of these phones in my stocking this year. Speaking of stockings, anyone like the new stocking I picked out for myself? When I went into Target to purchase the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 I had a little wander through the Holiday Section and left with a lot more than just a new phone. As you do.

BONUS! You can even enter to win your very own Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Prize Pack as well as many other prizes. Enter using the widget at the bottom of this post and GOOD LUCK because you all deserve this little slice of heaven.

It doesn’t take much to produce some eye catching Instagram photos. Really you just need some holiday decorations and maybe some fairy lights and you’re set. The features of this phone really make taking clear, crisp, quality images beyond simple. Can’t wait to start experimenting with portrait shots!

What are your go to photoshoot ideas during the holidays? Personally, I sometimes struggle to stay inspired so it’s great to hear and see other people’s ideas and inspiration. What do you think?

When it comes to travel photography equipment I try to keep two basic things in mind: Weight and Space. How much does it weigh? When I travel I take one backpack that I carry around everywhere. So, is this something that’s lightweight that I’m going to be able to lug around all day without an aching back? The other thing I keep in mind is Space. Like I said, I only bring one backpack so I need to be able to fit whatever equipment I decide to bring with clothes, toiletries, etc. I have to be able to tetris everything into there so that it all fits. Keeping those things in mind here is a collection of my favorite photography equipment.

I’ve only ever actually used Canon so I suppose I’m a bit narrow minded on this one. But this one of the better bodies that I’ve used and at under 2.5 lbs. it’s perfect for travel photography. But, it still has the capacity to do any heavy duty work you’re looking to do. It’s a step up from the Rebel models and has some awesome features of some of the more advance models. Such as the LCD is flip-screen so you can flip it out and around (great for self-portraits!) and also has the rear control dial (so helpful). If you also like to take videos it offers 1080p HD recording with manual controls. This is a great camera if you’re looking for something a little more advanced than the Rebel but don’t need the full-fledgedness (I know, not a word) of the 7D.

Everyone needs a 50mm. That’s why it’s called a ‘nifty fifty’. It’s great for so many different types of photography and is generally my go to lens. For how inexpensive this lens is you get such a crisp, clear image (my Winter Drives Photo Diary photos were taken with this lens). Not to mention it weighs less than half of a pound and takes up little space. I usually just leave this on my camera body when it’s packed.

Compact, portable and under 2 lbs. This is the best mid range tripod I’ve found designed with travelers in mind. It has padded legs which makes it a lot easier to carry, handle and pack. And to be honest, it’s so compact you could just strap it to the outside of your pack for some added storage space. If this link to the listing above tells you it’s no longer available, it was probably reposted in their store so check there also!

Remember the two crucial elements I gave you to think about in the beginning of this post? Well, forgot them for this lens for a minute. It’s pretty heavy for it’s size at nearly 1.5 lbs. It’s a little bulky BUT it’s the BEST affordable lens for landscape and astro photography. There is little to no distortion when shooting something that’s only around 20 to 30 ft. away. And it’s SUPER wide without being a fisheye. I love this lens and am willing to deal with the fact that it’s bulky and kind of heavy. It’s so inexpensive for a wide angle. I’ve never read one bad review about this lens and cannot recommend it enough.

This one is for a 60D but a wireless remote is a must for self-portraits, slow shutter speeds, etc. Super cheap, tiny and weighs virtually nothing. Pretty much any type of photographer will find a use for it.

I don’t have a designated camera bag and pack my camera equipment in with my regular belongings. So, I need a way to keep my camera gear protected and organized without taking up too much space. These simple, soft, Velcro camera bag inserts are the perfect answer. I just pack my camera and lenses into this, put it in the bottom of my backpack and surround it with my clothes. Done. Since it’s soft and pliable you can smoosh the padding down to make some extra room in your bag. This won’t do you a whole lot of good if you’re throwing your bag around. It’s not going to prevent that kind of damage but it works for me.

What is your go to photography equipment when it comes to traveling? Is there something you swear by that I missed?

I wanted to share with you guys some pictures that I took while I was away at a cabin over the New Year’s Eve holiday. We were out on the Olympic Peninsula and it is so beautiful in the Winter. Right on Hood Canal. We drove up into the mountains and stopped a place called High Steel Bridge which stole the breath from my body and the feeling from my legs. The drop from the bridge is the largest height I’ve over leaned over and being someone who isn’t afraid of height – it still made me a little sick to my stomach.

On another note, can we take a moment to appreciate his eyes? I remember the first day I met him when he was looking down at his computer and then looked up at me with those beautiful eyes. It’s one of those moments I won’t ever forget. I hope that before I die they find a way to take images from your mind and put them on a screen so I can take my most beautiful memories and share them with more than just words.

Travel photography can be tricky. You are traveling and can’t take a whole warehouse of supplies. It’s also different when you’re traveling versus photographing in a studio. What’s even more difficult than taking travel photos in general… Self portraits when you’re traveling. It’s difficult, awkward and at time embarrassing (if you let it be). Soooooo, I decided to put together a list of tips to keep in mind when delving into the travel photography world.

Pack Only What You Need

Trust me, I get it. You need those filters, you need your three different telephotos, you need your hoods, your leveler, your flashes. I GET IT. But listen. You actually don’t. You can function off two or three lenses and lighten your load. I’d say you need 1. a wide angle. I use this one and it is the most wide angle lens I’ve found that doesn’t get all ‘fish-eye-like’ on you. It’s especially great for astrophotography. 2. One really good telephoto. I like this one. And 3. I always recommend a “nifty fifty” like this one. With these three lenses you can accomplish pretty much anything you need. And with the 50mm being so small it’s like you’re only bringing two lenses, right? In addition to that, ditch all of the accessories. You don’t need all the filters and gadgets. Arm yourself with your necessary lenses, a tripod, a remote, your battery charger, a few memory cards and you should be good to go.

Symmetry

When it comes to photographing scenery and architecture, I kind of ditch the whole “rule of thirds” thing. I pretty much try to focus on symmetry. It’s an oddly satisfying thing when you get a perfectly centered, level photo that has great symmetry. Not that that’s what the above photo is. It’s just the first photo I found in my recent camera roll that was symmetrical. Symmetry is just aesthetically pleasing, and that’s what we’re all aiming for right? But when it comes to landscape photos and photography, I’m all about that rule of thirds.

Rise Early, Stay Up Late

This is for multiple reasons. First of all, you want a good picture without a bunch of tourists milling around. So, you’re going to have to opt for a time with the least amount of traffic. These times are generally going to be early in the morning or later in the evening. I know, waking up early and going to bed late sounds horrendous but wait – there’s more. This means you’re going to be present for all those lovely golden hours. I don’t know why they call it the “golden hour” when it’s actually a few hours. In the morning you get the great amber glow from the East and in the evening you get the warm gold glow from the West. It’s a win-win. Another thing to keep in mind when you’re trying to take self-portraits: It’s a lot easier to set up your tripod and go snap a few photos when there aren’t people around to knock your equipment. Or worse, steal it.

Experiment With Shadows And Highlights

When it comes to photography editing makes all the difference. Sure, you have to start out with a nice composition, some lighting you can work with and all that jazz. But what makes pictures pop now a days is the editing. Hover over the image and look at the difference adjusting shadows, highlights and contrast can make. It’s huge! Not to say that this photo looks especially great with these settings but just look at the difference. You can turn one image into billions of different things. By changing settings, you can change the whole mood of the image with just a few sliders. Play around, figure out what works for your photo, BE BOLD MY FRIENDS.

Self-Portraits

Ignore Everyone

This is a lot easier said than done, I get it. But if you want to take a successful self-portrait it is the key ingredient. Who cares if you feel silly? What are the odds of you ever seeing those people again? And do you think that in two hours they’re even going to remember that they say you? Nope. They won’t. And you know, who cares if they did. Fuck everyone. Seriously. If someone wants to judge you for trying to capture a moment – let them. It won’t affect your life in any way. It may feel a little weird at first (and taking pictures early in the morning and in the evening really hope reduce the amount of people around you!) but you’ll get used to it and I promise, it gets easier.

Tipod + Timer = Your Best Friends

If your camera has a flip around screen like mine does, your life is going to be so easy. You can see where you are in the frame, if you’re too zoomed in, etc. Get the focus set (we’ll talk about that later) and have your camera all set up and good to go on your tripod. Now, change your setting to 10 second timer. Go stand in the little spot you’ve picked out, get situated and ready (so much easier when you have a flip screen). Once you feel like you’ve got it – click your remote and then you have a full ten seconds to throw your remote out of view. Don’t worry they’re small and only cost a couple of bucks. Just find somewhere soft to throw it 😉 Or of course, stick it in a back pocket or tuck it in your bra – whatever works.

BURST MODE!!

When taking self portraits try using burst mode. This will take a ton of pictures and is great for if you’re looking for more of a candid photo. I only use burst mode because I figure if I take 200 pictures at least one of them should turn out halfway decent. AmIRight?

Props To Set Focus

When you’re alone and don’t have someone to go stand in front of your camera so you can set your focus, life can feel hard. But guys, I promise – it’s going to be okay. Here’s what you do. Grab a nearby [insert random thing here such as: apple, coffee cup, a book, your purse, a shoe, etc.] and place it where you plan on standing/sitting/laying/floating/flying. Now, set your focus on that item. Make sure your lens is set to manual. If you used manual to set your focus you’re already good but if you used auto, make sure to set it back to manual. That way it won’t try to refocus when you use your remote to take your photo. Using a prop is also helpful when you don’t want to be the focal point of your image but still want to be in it.

Do you have any other tips or tricks that you’d like to share? Please leave them in the comments, I’m always looking for new ways to improve my own photography.

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